"Texodus" continues with more GOP retirements from U.S. House

— The departure of veteran Republicans in the Congress from Texas continued on Wednesday, with Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX), once head of an influential group of GOP lawmakers, announcing that he would not seek re-election in 2020, along with veteran Republican Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI).

Elected in the Tea Party wave election of 2010, Flores joins four other Republicans from Texas in deciding to retire, not returning after the 2020 elections.

While Democrats have a chance to win the seats of Olson, Marchant, and Hurd, the seats of Conaway and Flores are favored to stay in GOP hands.

As for Sensenbrenner, the Milwaukee Republican has served in the U.S. House since being elected in 1978. His decision to leave comes after last week's surprise resignation announcement by another Wisconsin GOP lawmaker, Sean Duffy.

Behind only Rep. Don Young of Alaska in terms of GOP seniority in the U.S. House, Sensenbrenner said it was simply time for him to move on.

“I think I am leaving this district, our Republican Party, and most important, our country, in a better place than when I began my service,” Sensenbrenner said.

Republican Jim Sensenbrenner of WI just told WISN’s Mark Belling he won’t seek a 22nd term in Congress. He’s 76 and second in seniority in the House, having served since '79. His district includes the state’s highest-turnout GOP communities in the suburbs and exurbs outside MKE

Also announcing retirement on Wednesday was Rep. Susan Davis, a Democrat from California.

For 18 years, @RepSusanDavis has been a fighter for #CA53 families in Washington. She’s been a trusted colleague and a dear friend. While saddened to learn that this is her last term, I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with her. https://t.co/cnqHjZpmXJ